Method and device for applying hair extensions

ABSTRACT

A hair extension apparatus includes a support having a base and an upper surface. The apparatus also includes a plurality of loops on the upper surface of the base and a plurality of cords each having one or more fibrous strands. Each cord of the plurality of cords is freely engaged with an associated loop, and is bonded at a medial section with itself, with one or more other cords of the plurality of cords, or both, to prevent disengagement of each cord of the plurality of cords with its own associated loop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/514,921, filed Aug. 4, 2011, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety including the drawing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to hair extensions. More particularly,the present invention concerns methods and apparatus for applying hairextensions to the hair and/or head of a user. Even more particularly,the present invention provides methods and apparatus for applying hairextensions to the hair and/or head of a user (or to a wig) give a morenatural effect.

The prior art is replete with methods and apparatus for applying hairextensions to the existing hair and/or scalp of a human. It is knownthat braids can be individually attached by sewing or the like. Weftscan be removably adhered to the scalp. Typically, the weft has aplurality of individual strands or plural strands secured thereto eitherby sewing, gluing or the like. Consequently, upon the shaking of thehead or movement of the head an unnatural visual effect is created whenobserving the movement of the hair. In other words, in deploying theprior art methods and devices the hair does not move freely as isoccasioned with natural hair.

Other devices having been created to provide the user with a differenthair style. Exemplifying the prior art is, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.7,320,327; 6,820,625; 5,899,209; 7,328,709; 7,246,623; 5,121,761;6,935,348; 7,661,434; 5,107,867, 6,888,315 and 6,938,624. Also, priorart extensions and methods for making and using are disclosed in U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0169297; 2006/0065280;2007/0227549; 2007/0221240; 2004/0173283; 2005/0263167 and 2010/0065078.

Other known apparatus and methods for attaching hair extensions utilizeclip-ons and glue. Representative prior art methods art can be found invarious visual recordings, including those found (as of the filing dateof the present application:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD3wm87Lryo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmSAME2Wh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HH43qhXgfw

and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzCyf3zgLZg&feature=fvw

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hair extension apparatus. The hairextension apparatus includes: (a) a support having a base and an uppersurface; (b) a plurality of loops on the upper surface of the base; anda plurality of cords each comprising one or more fibrous strands. Eachcord of the plurality of cords is: (i) freely engaged with an associatedloop, and is bonded at a medial section. (Unless otherwise stated, theterm “bonded” includes within its scope “fixed,” “glued,” “adhered,” and“tied,” as well as “bonded.” A “medial section of a cord,” as usedherein, refers to a section between the ends of a cord, not includingeither end.) The cord may be bonded with itself, to other cords, or toboth itself and to other cords. For example, a cord passed through itsassociated loop is bent or folded around it. A medial portion of thecord on one side of the loop is bonded to a different medial portion ofthe cord on the other side of the loop. Alternately, or in addition, thecord may be bonded with one or more other cords of the plurality ofcords. To keep the cord freely engaged with the associated loop, theloop is not itself bonded to the cord. Regardless, the bonding of theloop is such as to prevent disengagement of each cord from itsassociated loop.

In another aspect hereof, the present invention provides a method forapplying hair extensions. The method includes threading a cord thatincludes one or more fibers of natural hair, synthetic hair, or acombination thereof through an associated loop on a support and foldingthe cord back upon itself. This threading is repeated a plurality oftimes for a plurality of cords, each having a different associated loop.The method further includes bonding together medial portions of theplurality of cords, either individually, to other cords of the pluralityof cords, or both, to prevent dislodgement of each cord while leavingeach cord freely engaged to the associated loop. For example, a cord ispassed through its associated loop and is bent or folded around it. Amedial portion of the cord on one side of the loop is bonded to a(different) medial portion of the cord on the other side of the loop.Alternately, or in addition, the cord is bonded with one or more othercords of the plurality of cords. To keep the cord freely engaged withthe associated loop, the loop is not itself bonded to the cord.Regardless, the bonding of the loop is such as to prevent disengagementof each cord from its associated loop. The method further includessecuring the support to the hair of a user, to a wig, or to a scalp ofthe user.

It will be appreciated that some configurations of the present inventionprovide a hair extension which enables hair to move freely andnaturally, thus providing a pleasant and attractive appearance for auser. For a more complete understanding of the present invention,reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawing. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like partsthroughout the several views, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end view of a base of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the attachment of hair to the base.

FIG. 5 is an end view showing the looping of hair strands to the base.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the hair strands, as looped.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user showing one stage in thedeployment of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user showing a later stage in thedeployment of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base of another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG.9.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralsaid elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention arenot intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unlessexplicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having”an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property mayinclude additional such elements not having that property.

In a first embodiment of a hair extension apparatus 10 and referring toFIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the present invention includes a support 12comprising a base 14 having an upper surface 16 and a lower surface 18.Preferably, an adhesive 20 is applied to the lower surface 18 of thebase 14. Examples of suitable adhesives include, but are not necessarilylimited to, glue or an adhesive tape such as a double-sided adhesivetape. Where used, adhesive 20 is provided, adhesive 20 is or can be usedto adhere the support 12 to the scalp or hair of a user. In someembodiments of the hair extension apparatus 10, the support is or may besewn into the existing hair of the user or directly to the scalp.

Where a tape or adhesive is used, a removable cover (not shown) isapplied over the adhesive, and the removable cover is removed when aweft with an extension is ready for installation, as described below. Inat least one such embodiment, the removable cover comprises a paper orplastic sheet having a glossy smooth finish on at least one side. Theglossy side is adhered to the adhesive, but is easily separated from itwhen needed.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, as shown, a plurality of loops 22are provided on the top surface of the support 12. Each of the loops aresubstantially U-shaped and comprise a first leg 24, a second leg 26 andan intermediate bight portion 28 interposed the leg portions, as shown.

The loops 22 are provided on the base 14 by any suitable method, such asby gluing, integrally forming the loops 22 on base 14 such as bymolding, or vacuum forming when the support is formed from a plastic orother synthetic material. Loops 22 in some embodiments are individualelements that are separately attached to the base 14. In someembodiments in which support 12 has sufficient thickness, the free endsof the loops 22 puncture or partially penetrate the support 12 and areretained therein.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the loops 22 are arrayed to form tracks 30.Although each track 30 is shown as having three loops 22, any number oftracks and loops 22 may be used. In other words, one or more trackscomprising at least two loops 22 are formed on the support in someembodiments of the present invention.

A process for making an embodiment of a hair extension apparatus 10 isshown in the schematic flow chart 100 of FIG. 4, starting at step 102.At step 102, loop 22 begins without an associated cord of fibrousstrands. The strands may comprise natural hairs, synthetic hair or ablend of both. At step 104, loop 22 is threaded by a cord 32 of fibrousstrands. Cord 32 is freely engaged with its associated loop 22 and isnot bonded thereto, enabling each cord 32, and the strands to fellfreely and to move freely without constraint when installed.

At step 106, a plurality of loops 22 are threaded by cords 32. The cordsare bonded together at medial portions 34 of cords 32, but not to theirrespective associated loops 22. By bonding only the medial portions 34of the cords, the ends of the cords distal to loop 22 can fall freelyand move freely without constraint when installed, at least in partbecause cords 32 can move along and rotate around loops 22.

More than one cord 32 may be threaded through loop 22. It is to beunderstood that, “a plurality of cords each comprising one or morefibrous strands, where each cord is freely engaged with an associatedloop and is bonded at a medial section with itself, with one or moreother said cords of said plurality of cords, or both, to preventdisengagement of each cord of said plurality of cords with itsassociated loop of said plurality of loops” includes embodiments inwhich more than one cord 32 is threaded through loop 22, as well asembodiments in which cords 32 associated with different loops 22 and/orthe same loop 22 are bonded together.

Where the strands are formed from synthetic material, in order toprevent the cords from becoming dislodged, a medial portion of the cordis fused, glued or otherwise adhered to each other to preventdislodgement. Where the strands are formed from natural hair, thestrands are knotted, tied or otherwise bound together to prevent theirdislodgement from their associated loop in some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a scalp 36 of a user 38 has one or aplurality of hair extension apparatus 10 affixed thereto. Here, thecords 32 are attached to loops 22 while the hair extension apparatus isaffixed to the scalp.

Where an adhesive is used, once a sufficient numbers of cords 32 arethreaded through the end of their respective loops 22 and tracks 30, thecover is removed from base 14 to expose the adhesive 20. Then, thesupport 12 is secured to the hair or a wig (not shown) of the user 38.Alternatively, the hair extension apparatus 10 may be secured to thehair of the user 38 with clip-ons or other suitable securing means.

Where the support 12 itself is formed as a thin film plastic, thesupport 12 is extruded with loops 22 blow molded. The support 12 is thencut to desired lengths and widths. Similarly, the support 12 may be cutfrom bolts of fabric.

The hair extension apparatus 10 can be sold as a kit of at least onesupport and plural strands of hair either natural or synthetic.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, there is depicted an alternate embodimenthereof. According to this embodiment, the Support 12 comprises a singletrack of loops provided on the base 14. The base 14 has an upper surface15 and a lower surface 17. The perimeter of the base has a pair ofopposed flanges 19, 21. The ends of each loop are affixed to theflanges, as shown. The hole 40 provide the capability of being attachedonto a user's hair with a string or other suitable fastening means. Insome embodiments, an adhesive 20 (indicated in FIG. 1) is provided onlower surface 18, and a protective cover, such as a peel-off cover (notshown in the drawings) covers adhesive 20 until it is ready for use. Insuch embodiments, the protective cover may also have holes through it atthe same locations as holes 40 on lower surface 18. Where both holes 40and an adhesive 20 and protective cover are provided, the user has achoice of ways in which to attach hair extension apparatus 10 to thescalp.

According to the embodiment, the method of use is as described above,except where the support 12 is secured to the hair or a wig of a user38.

It is to be appreciated that by not securing the strands or cords to thesupport, itself, there are no constraints in the flow of the hairstrands thereby providing a natural and attractive look for the user. Inaddition, the use of some embodiments of the hair extension assemblyreduce shedding of hair that may otherwise occur. In addition, inembodiments using a thin plastic film support with the loopsincorporated therein reduce the visibility of the support, therebyproviding a more natural appearance than may otherwise be the case.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair extension apparatus comprising: (a) asupport having a base and an upper surface; (b) a plurality of loops onthe upper surface of the base; and (c) a plurality of cords eachcomprising one or more fibrous strands, wherein each cord of saidplurality of cords, being freely engaged with an associated loop fixedat a medial section with itself, with one or more other said cords ofsaid plurality of cords, or both, to prevent disengagement of each cordof said plurality of cords with its associated loop of said plurality ofloops.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises alower surface, and said apparatus further comprises an adhesive on thelower surface of the base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 furthercomprising a removable cover on the adhesive.
 4. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said base further comprises a lower surface, and saidapparatus further comprises a double-sided adhesive tape on the lowersurface of the base.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising aremovable cover on the double-sided adhesive tape.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said support comprises plastic or a synthetic material,and said plurality of loops are integral to said support.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of loops have free ends atleast puncturing the support and being retained in said support.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of loops are arrayed in aplurality of tracks.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said supportincludes a plurality of spaced-apart holes in the base.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9 wherein said individual spaced-apart holes are eachbeneath a different said loop.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 whereinsaid loops are arranged in a single track.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein each cord comprises natural hair, synthetic hair, or a blendthereof, the cords being free falling.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12wherein the cords are natural hair, each cord comprising at least onestrand of hair, the medial portion of the strand being tied to anassociation loop.
 14. A method for applying hair extensions to the headof a user, said method comprising: (a) providing a cord comprising oneor more fibers of natural hair, synthetic hair, or a blend thereof; (b)threading a cord through an associated loop on a support and foldingsaid cord back upon itself; (c) repeating step (a) a plurality of timesfor a plurality of cords, each having a different associated loop; (d)fixing together medial portions of the plurality of cords, eitherindividually, to other of said cords of the plurality of cords, or both,to prevent dislodgement of each cord while leaving each cord freelyengaged to the associated loop; and (e) securing the support to the hairof a user, to a wig, or to a scalp of the user.
 15. The method of claim14 wherein said securing comprising clipping the support to the hair ofthe user.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein said securing comprisessewing the support into existing hair of the user.
 17. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said securing comprises sewing the support directly tothe scalp of the user.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the supporthas a plurality of holes therein, and said securing comprises threadingthe hair of the user through at least some of the plurality of holes.19. The method of claim 16 wherein the support has a plurality of holestherein, and said securing comprises threading at least one member of agroup consisting of a line, a string, at least one strand of hair, andcombinations thereof through at least some of the plurality of holes.